I'm feeling smug

Yes, I am feeling very smug and pleased with myself as I have FINISHED my Christmas shopping!!!! (well with the exception of a main present for BB - awaiting his list, and a few more little bits for Belle). Have also sorted birthday presents out for between now and January. I have never been this organised before - what will I do with myself for the next 2 months!!

fantastic home-made roasted Cashew Nuts

We love cashew nuts but they are a tad expensive so just for treats, and I always buy a really big tub at Christmas. Last week we went to a local Oriental Supermarket and I bought a large bag of unroasted cashew nuts (I only needed a handful for my dish but they were quite reasonable so thought I would keep and store them). I'm not sure whether the nuts are actually raw (as I once heard or read that there is something poisonous about the cashew nut uncooked) but anway they were in a 'raw' seeming state. Anway I decided to have a go at roasting some, which was so successful I did the whole lot!!!

Spread 'raw' cashew nuts out on a baking tray.

Roast in oven for a few minutes turning every so often (you need to keep a close eye as timings vary). Take out and allow to cool a bit.

Drizzle with Olive Oil and add salt. Store.

They are absolutely delicious and this was you also control the amount of salt on them. The only problem is, will they last til Christmas. (I think not, as jar has been half emptied already!).

Christmas is coming.....

Things have been rather hectic so not had much time to blog. You would think with Belle in f/t childcare this week I would have oodles of free time but not so - haven't even got half the things done that I had planned - no matter!! Well, I did manage to finish the cake and pud.

part-way through mixing the cake in the Kenwood

The finished cake - yum yum

Both have now been wrapped up and put away for Christmas. I always make a small one as well for testing purposes. Half had gone before I had even managed to take the pic!